Grant Park Overview :
Although this prominent Chicago park dates to 1835, it wasn't named for President Ulysses S. Grant until 1901. Today, it hosts some of Chicago's favorite museums and serves as an essential open space in our civic life.Grant Park drew the defense of retail magnate A. Montgomery Ward in the early 20th Century. When building began on the site, Ward launched a lengthy, but ultimately successful legal fight to keep Chicago's lakefront free of structures.
In 2008, Grant Park became the focal point of the world when Barack Obama held his election rally here the night he won his bid for U.S. President.
Grant Park Location and Map:
Grant Park's official address is:337 E. Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
(312)742-7648
Map It
Using the CTA/RTA/Metra Trip Planner
The historic boundaries of Grant Park are as follows:
- North - Randolph Street
- South - 12th Street
- East - Lake Michigan
- West - Michigan Avenue
Grant Park Special Features:
Grant Park boasts some of Chicago's finest civic features including:- Buckingham Fountain
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- The Shedd Aquarium
- The Field Museum of Natural History
- The Grant Park Petrillo Bandshell (Located on the NE corner of Columbus and Jackson Drive. Map It.)
- Millennium Park was built at Grant Park's north end over what used to be railroad tracks. Millennium Park is considered a separate entity from Grant Park, yet their proximity and shared history give them a somewhat overlapping life.
Grant Park Available Facilities:
The park has loads of amenities to enjoy. These include:- Baseball diamonds
- A dog-friendly area
- Playgrounds
- Daley Bicentennial Plaza
- Jogging, walking, biking paths
- Tennis courts
- Lots of lakefront
- Hutchinson Field, which is bounded by Lake Shore Drive on the east, Columbus Drive on the west, Arvey Field on the south and Balbo Drive on the north.